Red-crowned Parakeet

Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae - Perruche de Sparrman

Systematics

Order
:
Psittaciformes
Family
:
Psittaculidés
Genus
:
Cyanoramphus
Species
:
novaezelandiae

Descriptor

Sparrman, 1787

Biometrics

Size
: 27 cm
Wingspan
: -
Weight
: 50 à 113 g

Geographic range

Distribution

Identification

The Red-crowned Parakeet resembles the Golden-headed Parakeet with which it coexists in several sites. It differs by the lack of yellow on the forehead, replaced by a narrow red band between the beak and the top of the head. This red band does not touch the eyes. Generally, it is a darker green bird above than below and its wings are partially bluish. As in its congener, the sides of the rump are marked with crimson.

Subspecific information 4 subspecies

Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae novaezelandiae (New Zealand and nearby islands, Auckland and Stewart Is.)
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae cyanurus (Kermadec Is.)
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae chathamensis (Chatham I.)
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae erythrotis ()

Foreign names

Perruche de Sparrman,
Perico maorí cabecirrojo,
periquito-de-coroa-vermelha,
Ziegensittich,
piroshomlokú kecskepapagáj,
Roodvoorhoofdkakariki,
Parrocchetto fronterossa,
rödpannad parakit,
Rødkroneparakitt,
kakariki červenočelý,
kakariki rudočelý,
Gedeparakit,
uudenseelanninviherkaija,
cotorra front-roja,
modrolotka czerwonoczelna,
Краснолобый прыгающий попугай,
アオハシインコ,
红额鹦鹉,
rödpannad parakit,
紅額鸚鵡,

Voice song and cries

play
pause

A somewhat rapid succession of ki-ki-ki-ki, kié-kié-kié becoming a rattle when alarmed. Softer contact calls.

Habitat

The Red-crowned Parakeet frequents mostly native high altitude woodlands (also see the Golden-headed Parakeet). It is present in small islands without any terrestrial predators, even if the trees there are scarce, or absent like on the Antipode Island.

Behaviour character trait

Couples of Red-crowned Parakeets remain together throughout the year. It is not easy to observe them in the forest, because they mostly stay in the canopy and their cries are usually what allows them to be spotted. Frequent movements are observed, with the birds travelling from an island to the continent or vice versa. However, these are not true migrations, but rather the erratic movement of birds looking for food.

Flight

The flight is fast and direct, usually above the canopy. Also brief glides from tree to tree.

Dietfeeding habits

The diet of the Red-crowned Parakeet is mainly vegetal, consisting of flowers, fruits and seeds. Additionally, the species also consumes honey and a few invertebrates. On the Kermadec Islands, this species also feeds on marine molluscs such as Scutellastra kermadecensis collected from marine wracks.

Reproduction nesting

The Red-crowned Parakeet is cavity-nesting, with eggs able to be placed in a variety of cavities (hollow trees, rock crevices, burrows, etc.). Egg-laying usually starts in October. Composed of 5 to 9 eggs (sometimes only 2, other times 10), the nest is incubated for about 3 weeks by the female alone. The young remain in the nest for 5 to 6 weeks, with the female providing most of their food. The male can also feed them, but usually does so through the female.

Geographic range

The Red-crowned Parakeet is endemic to New Zealand. Once widespread throughout the archipelago, it has almost disappeared from the South Island due to predation and deforestation. It still persists in the North Island's centre and remains commonplace on Stewart Island. It also occupies many small islands, either naturally (Little Barrier, Auckland, etc.) or after having been introduced (e.g. Tiritiri Matangi).
Four subspecies are generally accepted, with the forms cooki (Norfolk Island) and saisetti (New Caledonia) now considered full species in their own right.

Threats - protection

IUCN conservation status

Extinct

Threatened

Least
concern

Extinc
in the Wild

Near
threatened

Not
evaluated

EX EW CR EN VU NT LC NE

Due to the strong decline in its numbers (less than 30,000 individuals), the Red-crowned Parakeet is considered vulnerable by BirdLife International and the IUCN.